A would-be passenger of the long-delayed Villa Vie Odyssey cruise claims she was removed from the voyage after making critical comments in text app groups.
Jenny Phenix, 68, from Florida, USA, says her contract for the residential cruise was cancelled after she expressed concerns in the group chat about ongoing delays and the ship’s refurbishment.
The three-year, round-the-world journey has been delayed for over three months, leaving many passengers in Northern Ireland as they await a new departure date.
Ms Phenix, who had sold her possessions to embark on the cruise, had planned to stop in Miami to collect more belongings for the remainder of the journey. However, her remarks about the extended delays and having to stay in a temporary cabin allegedly led to her expulsion from the voyage.
She was informed that her contract was terminated for negatively affecting the morale of other passengers.
“We have received over a dozen formal complaints from residents regarding your continuous complaints and negativity. This behaviour has significantly impacted the morale and wellbeing of other passengers. Given the overwhelming feedback, we must cancel your contract permanently to uphold the wellbeing and satisfaction of our community.”
Villa Vie Residences’ chief operating officer, Kathy Villalba, writing to Ms Phenix
Ms Phenix, who has been living out of a suitcase since December 2023, told The Telegraph: “These were private conversations – I posted nothing on social media platforms. The frustration among residents grew after each delay. I tended to be one of the more outspoken in asking important questions. Many of the residents thanked me privately for speaking up for the entire group.”
This is not Ms Phenix’s first setback involving a round-the-world cruise. Earlier this year, she lost thousands of dollars when the Life at Sea residential cruise scheme filed for bankruptcy in July.
Ms Phenix has described her recent experiences as “emotionally devastating” and is now staying with her daughter while she figures out her next steps.
In a statement shared with The Telegraph, Villa Vie’s CEO, Mike Petterson, said: “Ms Phenix broke multiple terms and conditions and signed a non-disclosure agreement. The founding residents voted and agreed to uphold her suspension and we plan on respecting that decision. We have nothing else to comment on the ongoing dispute.”
The Villa Vie Odyssey was originally scheduled to depart from Northern Ireland in May 2024, with plans to visit all seven continents and over 425 ports in 147 destinations. However, mechanical issues, including repairs to the rudder and gearbox, have delayed the voyage.
Popular YouTube vloggers MidLife Cruising, who have been documenting their experience on the delayed ship, recently shared that they had received an email from Villa Vie Residences’ CEO on 9 September, explaining there were “ongoing problems.”
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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